City of Regina provides update on encampment at City Hall

The City of Regina said Tuesday the encampment in front of City Hall now comprises 72 tents, with 47 people living at the site.

“The City of Regina continues to monitor the encampment on the City Hall Courtyard,” said a media release. “The City’s priority remains the health and safety of all residents.”

The tent city popped up in June to raise awareness about homelessness in Regina.

In its release, the city said Regina Police Service officers and Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) personnel conduct regular wellness checks at the camp. The city said the fire department has recorded nine drug overdoses at the camp.

“Treatment in these cases was provided by RFPS, or by volunteers on site, or by EMS,” the city noted. “In two cases, treatment was refused.”

The release said the RFPS Fire Inspection Team has taken some preventative actions to ensure the residents’ safety, including the removal of propane and other compressed gas cylinders.

The city pointed out public washrooms are available in City Hall during business hours, and a 24-hour temporary washroom has been set up on the corner of Lorne Street and 12th Avenue in Victoria Park. As well, garbage is removed from the Courtyard frequently.

The release said city staff are in touch with camp organizers “several times per week” as the city continues it efforts to help those on site.

“The City of Regina continues to collaborate with provincial government agencies and community-based organizations to connect residents experiencing houselessness in our community with services and supports they need,” the release added.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s Street Project Team attends the encampment regularly to provide a needle exchange program. The Ministry of Social Services is on site twice each week, the Regina Downtown Community Support Program engages with camp residents daily, and Saskatchewan Health Authority/RFPS Overdose Outreach Team responds as needed.”